Diwali- A walk down the memory lane

Life has changed rather time has changed. The concept of festivity has changed along with time. Could you ever think of gifting your closed ones chocolates and Kurkure festive pack instead of sweets in Diwali? I am quite sure even you didn't think of this change. The rolling of years has defined and redefined various festivals and Diwali is not an exception. But the basic things have remained the same. Tradition has still managed to stay in some way or the other with festivals. Diwali brings light to the whole world. It is a festival of peace and harmony. It symbolizes the end of the dark and the onset of good and fresh beginning.Its magnetic power brings family members together and gives them the opportunity to rejoice.It means eating well and rejoicing keeping aside the worries of tomorrow.

The festival of lights enlightens my memory also. Like a flashback in a movie I can easily recollect my childhood days and the days I spent with my parents before my marriage. As nostalgia engulfs me I can easily recollect my Diwali days with my parents. One thing that I did invariably and did not allow anyone to encroach my territory was lighting the candles at every nook and corner of the house. I would shout at my mother the moment I would run short of candles.I still remember my mom standing with a drooping face and assuring me of getting more candles the next day. We Bengali's worship Goddess Kali during this time. I clearly remember that the park in front of our house would organize Kali Puja. My sleep broke every year on the morning of Kali Puja by the music that they played. Collecting Khicri or haunch-pouch bhog or prasad with the other friends on the next day of Kali Puja still brings smile on my face. A thing that I cannot of think of at this stage. Participating in the cultural programs was another thing that still flashes in my memory.

Today earthen lamps and candles have been replaced in most of the houses by electrical lamps. Many things have changed. But can we vouch and say that we still get that pure happiness? That is why our elders say 'Money can buy everything except happiness.'